Description

Red Creole Onion Seeds

Elevate your onion farming with Organic Farm’s certified Red Creole Onion seeds (Allium cepa), a medium-maturing, open-pollinated, short-day variety renowned for its deep red, pungent bulbs and excellent storage qualities. Ideal for Kenya’s diverse climates, this heirloom onion is a market favorite for its spicy-sweet flavor, perfect for culinary dishes and export. Our KEPHIS-certified seeds, sourced and packaged in Muranga, Kenya, ensure high germination and adaptability, suited for farmers in regions like Machakos, Nakuru, and Kisumu aiming for high yields and profitability.

Benefits of Red Creole Onion Farming

• Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamins C and B6, antioxidants, and sulfur compounds, Red Creole onions support immunity, heart health, and detoxification, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

• Versatile Uses: Used raw in salads, salsas, and sandwiches for vibrant color and mild sweetness; adds subtle sweetness to cooked dishes like soups and stews; high demand in local markets and export to Europe and East Africa.

• High Profitability: Yields 15–28 tonnes per acre, with potential income of KSh 300,000–1,120,000 at KSh 20–40/kg, driven by strong consumer and trader preference for its flavor and shelf life.

• Storage and Resilience: Stores up to 6–7 months when properly cured; resistant to pink root rot and tolerant to diseases like purple blotch and rust, reducing losses.

Favorable Climates for Red Creole Onion in Kenya

Red Creole thrives in temperate to subtropical climates with temperatures of 18–33°C, rainfall of 600–1,200mm, and altitudes of 0–2,000m. It prefers full sun and performs well in hot months like January, requiring moderate watering.

Suitable Regions in Kenya

• Eastern Kenya: Machakos, Makueni, Kitui

• Rift Valley: Nakuru, Baringo

• Western Kenya: Kisumu, Bungoma

• Central Kenya: Murang’a, Kirinyaga

• Coastal Kenya: Kilifi, Taita Taveta

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Well-drained sandy loam or loamy soils; avoids waterlogged or heavy clay soils.

• Soil pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral); test with soil kits available at agrovet stores and amend with lime if needed.

• Nutrients: Enrich with compost or manure; apply 50kg DAP per hectare at planting.

• Drainage: Critical to prevent bulb rot and fungal diseases.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Red Creole Onion

Site Preparation

• Choose a sunny site (6–8 hours daily) with no history of Allium crops (e.g., garlic, leeks) for 2–3 seasons to minimize disease risk.

• Clear weeds manually or with a herbicide like CLAMPDOWN (200ml/20l); plow to a fine tilth one month before planting and incorporate 2–3 tons manure per acre.

• Test soil pH; apply 1kg HUMIPOWER per hectare for root development.

Nursery Preparation

• Prepare raised nursery beds (1m wide, 5–10m long) with loose, manure-enriched soil.

• Drench soil with PYRAMID (100g/20l) and OPTIMIZER (20ml/20l) to control soil pests and enhance germination.

Planting Seeds

• Use KEPHIS-certified Red Creole Onion seeds from Organic Farm (e.g., 25g packet covers ~0.05–0.1 acres at 4–5kg/ha).

• Sow seeds 1cm deep in furrows 10cm apart on nursery beds, cover with thin mulch (e.g., dry grass), and water lightly. Plant during rainy seasons (March–May or October–December) or hot months like January.

• Remove mulch after germination (7–10 days); thin seedlings to 5cm apart after 2 weeks.

Transplanting

• Transplant seedlings with 3–5 true leaves (6–8 weeks after sowing) to the main field, spacing 10–15cm between plants and 24–30cm between rows (33,000–50,000 plants per acre).

• Dig shallow furrows, apply NPK 17:17:17 (50kg/ha), and water thoroughly post-transplanting to reduce shock.

Mulching

• Apply organic mulch (e.g., dry grass) between rows to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch 10cm from plant bases to avoid rot.

Caring for Red Creole Onion Plants

• Irrigation: Water every 2–3 days during germination and early growth, then weekly (20 liters/m²); reduce watering as bulbs enlarge to prevent rot. Use drip irrigation in dry regions like Machakos.

• Fertilization: Apply CAN (50kg/ha) one month after transplanting; use foliar feeds like OPTIMIZER (10ml/20l) for micronutrients, especially in water-stressed areas. Avoid excess nitrogen to prioritize bulb development.

• Weeding: Weed at 3–4 weeks and before bulbing to reduce competition; hand-weed carefully or use mulching to suppress weeds.

• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for thrips, onion maggots, and diseases like purple blotch or neck rot. Use neem oil, KINGCODE ELITE (10ml/20l), or RANSOM 600WP (15g/20l). Crop rotation and certified seeds minimize risks.

• Harvesting: Harvest at 100–175 days when outer leaves dry and bulbs are firm (October–January for optimal market prices). Cure bulbs in a well-ventilated area for 2–3 weeks until skins are papery.

Plant Population and Spacing

• Spacing: 10–15cm between plants, 24–30cm between rows.

• Seed Rate: 4–5kg per hectare (1.6–2kg per acre); 25g covers ~0.05–0.1 acres.

• Population: 33,000–50,000 plants per acre.

Expected Production

• Per Acre: 15–28 tonnes (75–120 tonnes/ha with optimal management).

• Income: At KSh 20–40/kg, one acre can yield KSh 300,000–1,120,000 per season.

• Harvest Timeline: Matures in 100–175 days (3–4 months post-transplanting); green onions harvestable in 3 weeks.

Why Choose Organic Farm’s Red Creole Onion Seeds?

Organic Farm is a trusted leader in sustainable agriculture in Kenya, empowering farmers with quality inputs. Our Red Creole Onion seeds offer:

• KEPHIS-Certified Quality: High-germination seeds (85–90%) selected for pungent, dark red bulbs, disease resistance, and long shelf life, certified by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service.

• Superior Traits: Medium-sized, flattened bulbs with spicy-sweet flavor, ideal for culinary and storage needs; resistant to pink root rot and adaptable to varied climates.

• Expert Support: Agronomic guidance on planting, pest control, and market linkages for local and export markets (Europe, East Africa).

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Organic seed production supports soil health and biodiversity, aligned with good agricultural practices (GAP).

• Nationwide Delivery: Reliable shipping across Kenya.

Join Kenya’s thriving onion industry, driven by year-round demand for Red Creole’s vibrant flavor and storage qualities, with Organic Farm’s certified seeds. Order now to grow a high-yielding, market-preferred crop that delivers substantial profits!

Contact: oxfarmorganic@gmail.com